Friday, November 13

7:30–10:30 a.m.

Attendee Registration

8:00–9:00 a.m.

Coffee Cart • Sponsored by Focused Advocacy

8:00–10:00 a.m.

Exhibitor Registration

8:00–10:00 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

9:00–10:15 a.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

The Anxious Generation
Session courtesy of the Texas Court Clerks Association

Join us for an insightful presentation based on the The Anxious Generation, the New York Times bestselling book that has sparked a national conversation about smartphones, social media, and children’s mental health. This session explores how constant digital access is reshaping childhood, impacting emotional development, attention, relationships, and overall well-being. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of current research, emerging trends, and practical strategies for helping children develop healthier technology habits while fostering resilience, connection, and balanced growth in a digital world.

Ryan Turner, Executive Director, Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, and Associate Judge, City of Austin

Risky Business: Traps That Lead to the Emergency Room, Court, and Newsrooms

Cities invest millions in infrastructure and security software, yet the single greatest risk vector remains human behavior, threatening to land municipalities in the three “rooms” they most wish to avoid: the emergency room, courtroom, and newsroom. This eye-opening presentation bridges the gap between physical safety, digital vulnerabilities, and reputation management by pulling back the curtain on how modern threat actors exploit human psychology, trust, and common digital habits to bypass traditional cybersecurity barriers. You’ll discover how sophisticated social engineering, identity exploitation, and negligent online habits inadvertently expose local governments to severe financial, legal, and physical blindsides – and how to mitigate these risks. Gain practical strategies to reduce vulnerabilities, document risk-management processes, and strengthen your ability to defend against potential claims of negligence.

Jeff McKissack, President, Defense by Design

What You Can (and Can’t) Say: Navigating Election Communications
Session courtesy of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers

Bond elections, tax rate elections, propositions, and charter amendments place municipal communicators and elected officials under unique legal and ethical constraints. This session explores what local governments can and cannot communicate before an election, where the line exists between providing factual information and advocating for a position, and why elected officials may face different limitations depending on the circumstances.

Joseph Gorfida Jr., Managing Partner, Nichols Jackson; Bill Longley, General Counsel, Texas Municipal League; and Greg Sowell, Communications and Engagement Director, City of Richardson (facilitator)

Roles and Responsibilities of an Elected City Official
Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council

This session will outline the key roles and responsibilities of elected city officials including governance, ethics, and legal requirements. Attendees will gain practical guidance to effectively serve their communities and work with staff.

G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance.

Tad Cleaves, Assistant General Counsel; Cristian Rosas-Grillet, Legal Counsel; and Sarah Tompkins, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League

10:30 a.m.–Noon

Closing Session and Brunch (separate ticketed event)

Looking Ahead: Policy Trends for Texas Cities

Texas cities are navigating a rapidly evolving political, economic, and legislative landscape. In this closing general session, TML President Andrea Barefield will moderate a thought-provoking conversation with presidential historian and foreign policy expert Dr. Jeremi Suri and a special guest. Together, they will explore the forces reshaping public policy, governance, and community leadership at every level.

Attendees will gain valuable perspective on emerging trends, potential challenges, and opportunities that may influence Texas cities in the years ahead, along with practical insights to help local leaders prepare for what’s next.